March 22nd, 2016

RHC Sedro-Woolley history

Riverside Health Club – Eastside opened its doors in May 2000. Sedro-Woolley is only 10 miles away from our Mount Vernon location, yet some of our members were traveling 20 minutes for their workout. We thought a satellite club could make fitness more convenient for our members to the “East.”
We were not sure we were addressing a need in Sedro-Woolley, so we decided to test it out first. We rented a warehouse from Seven Sisters - the building just to the east of the Seven Sisters building across the street from our current building. The warehouse had no showers or locker rooms. It did, however, have big garage doors which we would roll up when we needed to get more air circulation going!
We told our members – if we reach 500 members – we will move to a better, more permanent location. After just one year, we had already nearly reached that goal! Sedro-Woolley committed to us. It was time to commit to Sedro-Woolley.
Our current building was just being built. In 2001 we signed a 10 year lease. We wanted to send a strong message of thanks and commitment to those who believed in us – we are not going anywhere! You believed in us – we are committing to you!
Sedro Woolley continues to grow:

• On November 30, 2011, we became owners of the building. 
• In 2014, we changed the name from Riverside Health Club – Eastside, to Riverside Health Club – Sedro-Woolley. The name change reflects the fact that the Sedro-Woolley location is not only a satellite to the Mount Vernon location but has its own unique character and offerings.
• September 2015, Jon Westra, one of the building owners, became General Manager. An owner now has full time presence in Sedro-Woolley.

Our goal is to offer great programming and state-of-the-art equipment in a family-owned, community-based health club where people encourage one another in fitness and in life. We hope to partner with you for years to come!